On a snowy afternoon in the winter of 1999, 2 radiant and outspoken women desired to form an organization. At that time, the 2 women were friends matriculating on the campus of John Jay College of Criminal Justice. These women (modern day feminists in their own right) felt that there were not any organizations or clubs on campus that addressed the needs and interests of Black Women. So, the women decided to set the organization in motion. They met with 3 other women from Medgar Evars College and held their first meeting. On November 9, 1999, Strong Sisters United was officially formed. The organizations colors, creed, and constitution were chosen. The five founders are: Masai Fisher, Elijah Lawrence, Jennifer Smith, Lakecia Collins, and Michelle Steele.
These women brainstormed on ways to recruit like-minded women willing to fight and destroy racial, social and gender discrimination. In order to recruit females willing to fight injustice as well as have fun, the founders decided not to base SSU on the campuses of John Jay and Medgar Evars but in the community.
In the Fall of 2000, the members of Strong Sisters United decided to also acknowledge a Greek name so that others nationwide (on and off campuses) would hear of the initiative that they were embarking upon. So on September 12, 2000, Sigma Sigma Upsilon was the Greek name formally representing SSU.
Here are a Few Facts...
Motto:
Black Women Helping All Women Help the World!
Colors:
Gold, Black, and Cream
Flower:
The Lily
Gem:
Black Onyx
Mascot:
The Lioness for her beauty and ability to rule the masses.
Biblical Verse:
"For I will give you a mouth and wisdom which all your adversaries will not be able to contradict or resist" Luke 21:15 |
